Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Selma, AL
McConnell Twins Dance Studio has been nurturing dancers and fostering a love for the performing arts for over 50 years. Originally founded in Montgomery, Alabama in 1958 by Carole and Lynn McConnell, our studio has grown to become a cornerstone of dance education in Central Alabama. We relocated to our modern facility on Landline Road in Selma after operating successfully on Broad Street for 37 years. Our team of experienced instructors brings decades of professional training and teaching expertise to every class. We offer comprehensive instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, and tumbling, following established methodologies like the Dance Masters of America syllabus.Our annual recital creates lasting memories while showcasing student achievements. With multiple generations of dance families and instructors, we maintain a tradition of excellence in dance education. Our staff includes certified professionals with extensive experience in both performance and pedagogy. We serve students from preschool age through adulthood, providing age-appropriate instruction at every level. Our commitment to quality dance education remains unwavering as we continue to shape young artists in a supportive environment.
Services
Ballet
Tap
Jazz
Hip Hop
Tumbling
Pointe
Lyrical
Preschool Dance
Adult Classes
Recital Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1958
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of dance education experience in Central Alabama
- Our instructors include certified professionals with decades of teaching expertise
- We provide comprehensive training in multiple dance disciplines using established methodologies
- Our annual recital creates professional performance opportunities for students
- We serve multiple generations of dance families with personalized instruction
Services
Ballet Classes
Our ballet program follows the Dance Masters of America syllabus, teaching fundamental techniques to students of all ages. Classes focus on proper posture, footwork, and graceful movement. We offer both recreational and advanced training with opportunities for pointe work when appropriate.
Tap Instruction
Tap classes emphasize rhythm, timing, and musicality using specialized footwear to create percussive sounds. We offer instruction for preschoolers through adults with experienced instructors who emphasize both technical skill and performance quality.
Jazz Dance
Our jazz program combines traditional Luigi and Tremaine techniques with contemporary styles. Classes incorporate elements of hip hop and modern dance while focusing on strength, flexibility, and choreography for performance settings.
Hip Hop Classes
Students learn urban dance styles focusing on technique, isolations, and freestyle movement. Classes emphasize musicality and self-expression while maintaining proper form and injury prevention techniques for this high-energy style.
Recital Preparation
Annual recital preparation includes choreography for group performances, costume coordination, and stage rehearsals. The event showcases student progress through professionally produced performances held each May at our studio.
People
Lisa Hicks Sexton
Owner and Artistic Director
With over 40 years of dance experience, Lisa teaches tap, ballet, and jazz. She studied at Kent State University with Dance Masters of America and has been teaching since 1981. She continues the McConnell Twins tradition.
Paige Draime
Dance Instructor
Teaching for 14 years with 16 years of personal dance experience, Paige specializes in early childhood dance education. She balances teaching with her kindergarten classroom work and graduate studies in gifted education.
Paige Winningham
Ballet Instructor
A former CJ's Dance Factory student and Moscow Ballet performer, Paige teaches advanced ballet and jazz. She brings professional performance experience to her instruction while balancing family life as a pastor's wife.
Demisha Stough
Preschool Dance Assistant
After 32 years as a math educator, Demisha applies her teaching skills to dance instruction. Her background in competitive gymnastics enhances preschool dance classes, combining movement and developmental learning techniques.
Sherrer Durden
Secondary Dance Instructor
With 16 years of dance experience and 9 years teaching, Sherrer specializes in secondary level instruction. She brings practical expertise to older students while maintaining a passion for dance education and country living.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer?
We offer ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tumbling, and pointe classes for students of all ages and skill levels.
When does the dance season start?
Registration for our 2025-2026 season runs August 4-8 with classes beginning shortly after. Please call for exact start dates.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! Our annual recital in May showcases student achievements with professional production values and photography services available.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
Our instructors have 14-40+ years teaching experience with professional training from institutions like Kent State University and Dance Masters of America.
Do you offer preschool dance classes?
Yes, we have specialized preschool dance programs designed to introduce movement basics and musicality to young children.
